Boucher Out Of Tour With Ruptured Left Eyeball

Cricket South Africa (CSA) have confirmed that wicket-keeper Mark Boucher will play no further part in the tour of England after he suffered a ruptured left eyeball.

Boucher was struck by a bail on the opening day of the two-day warm-up match against Somerset and was taken to hospital for surgery.

The long-term prognosis is unclear although he was swiftly ruled out of playing again and will return to South Africa at the earliest opportunity.

"Mark's surgery, which lasted nearly three hours, showed that he sustained a severe eye injury and although the surgeon was able to repair the eyeball, the sensitive nature of the injury makes it difficult to determine the extent of the long-term damage.

"I spent the night with him in the recovery ward at the hospital and he has been overwhelmed by the messages of support and care he has received from all corners of the world.

"He will take no further part in the series against England and will return back to South Africa as soon as possible."

CSA will name a replacement player on Wednesday. AB de Villiers is the nominated reserve wicket-keeper but Thami Tsolekile or Dane Vilas are the likely contenders should South Africa opt to add another specialist to the squad.